Celtic goalkeeper Vasilis Barkas returned in goal for the 2-0 defeat to Ross County in the Betfred Cup last night. The £5m summer signing was given another chance between the sticks after being dropped by Neil Lennon in recent games.
The Greek international wasn’t really tested during the 90 minutes, and while he couldn’t have done much with Alex Iacovitti’s second, he went the wrong way for Ross Stewart’s penalty in the first half.
Fans on Twitter are split on whether Barkas should be given more opportunities or written off as a bad buy:
Unfortunately the season we really needed it, we’ve gone from having 2 top class keepers to 2 average ones. Neither keeper is good enough. Barkas has been a poor signing on the evidence so far.
— MF (@MarkFeely6) November 29, 2020
Feel sorry for him he’s got zero protection
— Andy O’Donnell (@pandycfc) November 29, 2020
After spending £5M on him, Barkas was brought in as 1st choice, so he should be starting and building a relationship with the CB`s.
— Tam (@TamMcKenna1888) November 29, 2020
yes. He needed more time to settle. The best is yet to come.
— Tom (@tomcelticfc) November 29, 2020
In the last few months you could put Buffon between the sticks and we would have conceded as many. The problem is defence and lack of it. We don’t hold any shape and everytime any side comes forward I fear the worst. But here’s hoping things change. Hail Hail.
— TJ Art (@tonyarthur9560) November 29, 2020
One of the poorest Celtic goalkeepers in years
— mooneynulson (@mooneynulson) November 29, 2020
Doesn’t matter who’s in goal. Defence and midfield are all over the place.
— Rick ?? (@Cockneyrebel78) November 29, 2020
Its time he showed why we paid £5 mill for him
— Propter Libertatem #FSI #BriansforIndy (@Brizaldo) November 29, 2020
It must be said that neither Barkas nor Scott Bain have made the number one position their own this season, and there is a case to be made for going back into the transfer market in January.
Some have previously suggested re-signing Fraser Forster on loan but, after turning down the Hoops in the summer, there would be a large number of supporters who would be against the move.